WWF-Madagascar & Western Indian Ocean
Vive Lemurs!
Conserving
the lemurs of Madagascar
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent
conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global
network active in more than 100 countries.
WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural
environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony
with nature, by: conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring
that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and
promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
Written and designed by Christian Thompson (the green room)
www.greenroomenvironmental.com, with advisory by
Martina Lippuner, WWF Madagascar & Western Indian Ocean
Published in June 2013 by WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature
(Formerly World Wildlife Fund). Any reproduction in full or in part
must mention the title and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the
copyright owner.
© Text 2013 WWF
All rights reserved
Front cover
The endangered Indri lemur (Indri indri) in the Palmarium Reserve
(Ankanin ‘ny Nofy), east coast of Madagascar © Andrea Schieber
© Markus Fleute
Contents
Map of Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean
04
Foreword
Preface
A persecuted primate
50 years of WWF in Madagascar
Lifeline timeline
07
09
10
13
14
Executive summary
Introduction
Madagascar: Treasure island
WWF priority landscapes
Land lemurs
Lemurs on the brink
Trouble in the trees: Threats to lemurs
Vive lemurs: Furture-making in Madagascar 19
21
21
25
28
32
46
48
Appendix 1.
References
50
52
Rainforest, Masoala National Park, Madagascar
6.
MADAGASCAR & WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN
© WWF-MWIOPO
WWF Offices
Rainforest ecoregion
Ala Maiky ecoregion
Marine ecoregion
Priority landscapes
© Ruan Kendall
There are more than 100 species and subspecies of lemur. This species (Varecia sp.) displays strikingly bright blue eyes
© Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Foreword
Guy Suzon Ramangason
Director General,
Madagascar National
Parks (MNP)
For centuries, the ecosystems of Madagascar have made
several vital economic and ecological contributions to
our lives. In addition to their pristine beauty, they
provide forest cover, feed our perennial rivers that are
the source of our drinking water as well as provide
effective irrigation.
They are a major source of livelihoods, enabling a rich base for high value agriculture, and providing
spectacular landscapes for sustainable tourism. Clearly, preserving the Malagasy ecosystem is critical
not only for the sake of their beauty, but also for ensuring the ecological and economic security of
Madagascar and the rest of the region.
The country’s ecosystems also provide vital protection for all of the world’s lemurs. Madagascar
is home to a quarter of all primate species on Earth, spanning some 5 families and more than 100
different species and subspecies. These species are found nowhere else on Earth, so it is concerning
to know that more lemurs are endangered now than at any previous point and they continue to face
unprecedented threats. It is sad to note that a combination of human pressures: excessive hunting
and international wildlife trade, habitat destruction, particularly deforestation and degradation, and
infrastructure development, is quickly eroding populations of these extraordinary and charismatic
species.
Today, we are faced with mounting environmental challenges. Thankfully, WWF has been active on
the island since 1963, working with local communities to protect Madagascar’s unique environment,
mitigate adverse impacts and prevent the lemur populace falling victim to the rapid pace of
unsustainable human development.
With their global network and solutions-based approach, WWF is positioned to bring about the
change that is required – at all levels – to build a sustainable future in Madagascar. But they can’t do
it alone.
Successfully placing the region on a sustainable development path will require the commitment and
the increased capacity of governments and industry alike to protect and sustainably manage one of
the world’s most outstanding forest, freshwater and marine landscapes.
Protected areas are one of the most effective tools for conserving species and natural habitats of
Madagascar and safeguarding these habitats from long-term global threats such as climate change.
They also contribute to the livelihoods and well-being of local communities and bring benefits to
society at large.
Our engagement with WWF comes to reinforce the Malagasy declaration at the 5th world convention
of the parks in Durban in 2003, where our country committed to triple the surface of its protected
areas from 1.7 million to at least 6 million hectares. Today this has become a reality. Thanks to the
“Durban Vision”, a national network of 47 terrestrial and marine protected areas have been
inaugurated. More than 90 additional new protected areas have been created by other conservation
groups including WWF.
Partnerships like the one with WWF are crucial for conserving Madagascar’s biodiversity. They are
equally vital for our common fight against poverty and our efforts to help conserve the country’s
ecological resources that are essential for our successful development. Poverty and the environment
are inextricably linked and the environment is the base for all human development.
With increased protection and management comes a viable future for the people and species such as
the magnificent and emblematic lemurs that live here.
I congratulate WWF on its commitment over the last 50 years to conserve the biodiversity and natural
resources of the region and extend to them my complete support for its efforts in helping the planet to
continue enjoying the bounties of our country.
I hope the examples of WWF’s work highlighted in this report will inspire you to join us in our fight
for a living Madagascar.
Guy Suzon Ramangason
© Ian & Kate Bruce
Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) photographed at Berenty Private Reserve. Most groups live in the gallery forest and movement involves leaping
between vertical trunks and bounding across open spaces on hind legs with arms aloft for balance: a beautiful natural ballet
© WWF International
Preface
Jim Leape
Director General,
WWF International
Madagascar’s combination of natural wealth and
endemism is beyond superlatives. It was one of the
first countries in which WWF invested, as the recipient
of project number 14 in 1963. It is one of the world’s
hotspots for biodiversity.
The significant number of new species being discovered, such as those detailed in our new species
report of 2010, shows we’re still learning about the full extent of its diversity. Between 1999 and
2010, more than 615 new species of plants and vertebrates were discovered on the island, including
41 mammals. That’s a rate of at least one new discovery every week.
The biological importance of Madagascar is well known: 250,000 species are found here, of which
90 per cent are found nowhere else in the world. As the world’s fourth largest island, with nearly
5,000 km of coastline, north and south of the tropic line, the marine riches are equally impressive. In particular, the northwest coast in the Northern Mozambique Channel is increasingly being
recognized as the heart of marine biodiversity for the Western Indian Ocean region, feeding major
ocean currents both north and south.
With 26 endemic families and more than 470 endemic genera, Madagascar is the richest place on
Earth for higher level endemism. Madagascar is home to one quarter of the entire world’s species
of primates, the lemurs. Scientists have identified a huge diversity of lemurs – more than a 100
species and subspecies to date, with two new discoveries already announced this year. And yet, of
the many different kinds of lemurs the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
has classified eight as Critically Endangered, 18 as Endangered, 15 as Vulnerable and four as Near
Threatened. Five lemur species are among the 25 most threatened primates in the world.
Analysis of satellite imagery indicates that forest cover has decreased by almost 40 per cent from
the 1950s to 20001. This forest destruction and degradation threatens thousands of species with
extinction. This loss is largely poverty-driven, as Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest
countries, and the demand for fuel wood and slash-and-burn practices consume the island’s
natural forests. Increasingly, other land uses such as mining and larger scale agriculture, are
emerging as drivers of forest conversion, as they are in much of the rest of Africa.
Despite this degradation, there are reasons for hope. The approach that WWF and our partners
take to conservation continues to evolve to face increasing threats, and to ensure ever-larger areas
are protected. In the face of increasing human pressure on the planet’s resources, an effective
protected area system is vital for conserving ecosystems, habitats and species like lemurs. While
the National Parks and special reserves are now managed by Madagascar National Parks, our
programme on new protected areas (Nouvelles aires protégées, NAPs) is contributing to
conserving lemur habitat further. With the expansion of the protected area system effected in 2010,
the country now has over 6 million hectares under some form of protected status – achieving the
goals of the ‘Durban Declaration’ of 2003 to triple the protected area in the country.
Now the task is to ensure that this protection is effective. WWF is working with local communities
on how to manage many of these new protected areas, and the natural resources around them that
constitute buffer zones. In other areas, WWF is working with private sector partners, to improve
their business models in ways that contribute to conservation goals and reduce their consumption
and their ‘footprint’ on the planet. The end result will be more effective conservation efforts, and
protected areas that fulfil their key role of conserving in situ biodiversity in Madagascar.
Today, we’re bringing to bear our experience of 50 years of conservation work in Madagascar to
promote sustainable development across the island. We’re building alliances among local people,
national and regional authorities and the private sector. And we’re seeking to ensure that the vital
environmental and cultural contributions the habitats of Madagascar make locally, regionally and
globally are maintained sustainably, in a way that’s fair to people who live there.
The unique habitats of Madagascar help to support life as we know it. Now it is in our hands to
safeguard nature, the amazing diversity of species, and the immeasurable services it provides to us
all.
Jim Leape
A persecuted primate and a flagship
species for WWF in Madagascar for 50
years: the aye-aye
Scientific name: Daubentonia madagascariensis
Distribution: Primarily on the east coast of
Madagascar
IUCN status: Near Threatened
Unique and bizarre, the aye-aye (Daubentonia
madagascariensis) is the world’s largest nocturnal
primate, and is characterised by its unusual method of
finding food. It taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws
holes in the wood using its forward slanting rodent-like
incisors. Once a small hole is created it uses its special
thin middle finger as a tool to extract invertebrates out.
The aye-aye is the only existing member of the genus
Daubentonia and family Daubentoniidae; a second
species, Daubentonia robusta, appears to have become
extinct at some point within the last 1,000 years.
Aye-ayes that live in the rainforest, the most common
kind, dwell in canopy areas, and are usually sighted up
to of 700 metres altitude. They sleep during the day in
nests built in the forks of trees.
Ancient Malagasy legend said the Aye-aye was a
symbol of death and the species is commonly thought
to be bad omens by some Malagasy people. When
spotted, they are killed on sight and hung up so that the
evil spirit will be carried away. Incidents of aye-aye
killings increase every year as its forest habitats are
destroyed and it is forced to raid plantations and
villages.
© Frank Vassen
22
Conserving the threatened aye-aye was the first project WWF embarked upon in Madagascar in 1963
© WWF-MWIOPO
say something
here...
Map of the aye-aye lemur reserve (circa 1962-63), Nosy Mangabe island, Madagascar
© WWF-MWIOPO
50 years of WWF
in Madagascar
Richard Hughes
Regional Representative
WWF Madagascar &
Western Indian Ocean
Programme
Fifty years ago, WWF awarded its
14th project in the world. A
seemingly small grant in 1963, to
researchers and conservationists
active in lemur conservation in
Madagascar, ended up spawning a
rich legacy of conservation work over
the past half century.
WWF is proud to have been among the pioneers in lemur research and conservation.
Since 1963, WWF has been instrumental in safeguarding lemurs. Our first project
involved conserving the aye-aye, a nocturnal lemur whose numbers had become so
precarious that it was believed extinct in 1933, but it had been rediscovered in 1957 in
the northeast of the island. In 1963, WWF began funding the Ministry and Jean-Jaques
Petter and colleagues for aye-aye research and conservation. Based on their initial work,
the situation was deemed grave enough that drastic measures were required. The
emergency plan put in place involved setting aside the island of Nosy Mangabe, an
island near Maroantsetra off eastern Madagascar, and translocating breeding pairs of
aye-aye to the new reserve. Today, while the species remains near threatened, one of the
most reliable places to find the aye-aye is on Nosy Mangabe.
This was a crucial starting point for WWF’s conservation efforts in Madagascar over
the past fifty years. At the time, there were few Malagasy scientists, researchers or
conservationists. One of the legacies WWF is most proud of is our contribution to the
development of a significant research and conservation capacity over the years, through
initiatives such as the Ecological Training Programme (ETP). But there is still more to
be achieved across Madagascar. Many thousands of Malagasy have also participated in
environmental activities through over 20 years of environmental education and ‘Club
Vintsy’.
WWF has been instrumental over the years in many key national conservation efforts,
from the development of the second National Environmental Action Plan in Africa to
the establishment of key parks and protected areas as well as the Madagascar National
Parks system (previously ANGAP). One of the founding members of the Foundation for
Protected Areas and Biodiversity of Madagascar, we are proud to see that this is now
one of the largest and most successful biodiversity funds in the world. Beyond MNP,
we have been active in the Madagascar Protected Area Strategy (SAPM), helping to
develop the scientifically-based plans necessary to achieve the goal of the 2003 ‘Durban
Declaration’ of tripling the country’s protected area. In line with that vision, we have
been helping to establish many of the new protected areas that are achieving that goal,
bringing the total protected area to over 6 million hectares – over 10% of Madagascar’s
land mass.
On the ground, we are currently focused on conserving biodiversity in a number of
landscapes across Madagascar’s different ecoregions, all of which are home to various
species of lemurs. Of course we also support cross-cutting work in areas such as climate
change adaptation and mitigation, governance, fuel-wood and energy production,
mining and extractive industries, forestry and fisheries. Through these efforts, today we
are working toward finding the practical solutions in these landscapes, which will allow
humans to exist in better harmony with nature.
The Prosimian Congress this year (www.prosimiancongress.org) is a perfect opportunity
to reflect back on 50 years of learning, of partnerships, of successes and failures. And to
look forward to see what we can achieve together in the years to come.
Richard Hughes
Lifeline timeline
Project number 14 - A new hope for the aye-aye
A brief chronology of events surrounding the establishment of WWF’s
first lemur project in Madagascar:
1962:
•
Preliminary investigations began with a view of establishing reserves for ayeaye, indris and other lemurs in Madagascar. A grant amounting to US$232
was requested for the studies. It was suggested that a reserve of 140ha be
established in a forest known as Ambatomalamo in the district of Fenerive,
province of Tamatave. “The delimitation will not be very difficult because
the area is already marked off by roads on three sides. To mark the northern
boundary it will be necessary to cut a path, about two metres wide, through
the forest”. (NB.Such delimitation approach would be inconceivable today.
Delimitation of a reserve has progessed a long way and requires a long
participatory process involving local communities and their full
endorsement).
•
Following a funding application made by the Service des Eaux et Forets in
September 1962, London-based law firm Oppenheimer Nathan and Vandyk,
donate US$233 to the project.
•
A monitoring and evaluation review of the project is conducted by JeanJaques Petter, of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN), Paris.
He recognised that the reserve was too small and the size would certainly have
detrimental effects on the lemur populations. The research of October 1962
also recognised the impact of the reserve on local communities, particularly
the strong superstitions surronding the aye-aye and the negative change in
village dynamics and behaviour the opening of a new reserve road had caused.
He acknowledged that a long-term strategy that would take into account
socio-economic aspects and trends was required. At that time, it was also
stressed that guard numbers and their salaries should be reinforced to protect
the reserve from foreign collectors (WWF continues to be a science-based
organisation today).
•
The project was shortlisted in a competition for funding between 50 projects.
1964:
•
A special group called the Species Survival Commission (SSC) was
established by IUCN on 10 February 1964 to supervise the project. The group is chaired by JJ Petter.
•
An application is made for Sfr 19,000 ( US$4,370) to WWF. As a result, in
1965 and 1966, WWF US pay a contribution of SFr 19,000 per year to (i)
translocate at least 2 pairs of aye-aye to Nosy Mangabe, a proposed permanent sanctuary for aye aye and (ii) undertake a brief fact finding survey of all
Malagasy reserves with the view of assessing the long-term survival of the
22 rare or threatened prosimians on the SSC list. Focusing on the Malagasy
government, the project also aims to promote the importance of the unique
fauna of Madagascar and the necessity of ensuring its long-term conservation.
The project aimed to establish strong local leadership for conservation that
has always been in WWF’s DNA in Madagascar.
At the time, a major threat for aye aye was an extensive programme of
deforestation undertaken by a wealthy timber merchant (related by marriage to the Hore-Belisha family in England).
July-August, letters of support for the aye-aye project are received from Professeur Jean Dorst, Mr Hettier de Boislambert (Grand chancellier de l’ordre
de la liberation) gave his support to the project and Prof Bourlière (Faculté de
Médecine Paris).
December 30 1964. Aye-aye at the resrve of Ambato Malama that were
detected there in 1957 left the resrve as a result of the (i) construction of the
road , killing by population, (iii) development of villages along the road and
(iv) legal felling of trees. The report mentioned a rapid erosion of taboo on
aye aye. At the beginning of 1964, there were two aye-aye (one old female and
a young male) in the village of Mahambo. 3 individuals were killed in 1963.
Home range: about 5 ha including the village of Mahambo.
•
•
•
1965:
•
•
•
•
In July, the MNHN announces it will fund the project for two years, extending
its funding to 1966.
JJ Petter is asked to recruit a highly qualified person to be project implementer and Mr Peyrieras is recruited soon after.
A decree (No 65- 795 du 14 December 1965) establishes Nosy Mangabe as a
special 520 ha reserve.
The Service des Eaux et Forêts starts work on establishing the reserve on the
the island.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
In his report on this date on 1 March 1966 JJ Petter talks about the
killing of aye-aye by villagers (at the entry of Bahafary forest, one
killed animal was hanged). Petter also mentions the rapid and widespread forest fire that probably left no chance for aye aye to survive.
1 March 1966, Petter sends a letter to Mr Swift WWF US informing
him that 4 other species exist on the Mangabe island: Lemur variegatus, Lemur maccaco, Cheirogaleus major, Microcebus murinus.
IUCN Bulletin April/June 1966. This bulletin mentioned that aye-aye
is the rarest and most threatened mammal in the world due to widespread habitat destruction. It mentioned that there are only 12- 20
individuals in the wild and it is the only species in the Daubentonidae family.
28 April 1966 , WWF projects include establishing the Ambato
Malamo (140 ha) reserve, transfering of aye-aye to Nosy Managabe
(1966 or 1967) – SFr 40,000, sifaka project that will enhance the
conservation of sifaka at Tsimanampetsotse , Tsingy de Namoroka,
conservation and study of black-and-white maki (Lemur variegatus) and Indri indri at Périnet – Sfr 80,000, and Sfr 82,000. for the
biological study of Avahi laniger and Lepilemur mustelinus at the
reserve of Ankarafantsika.
On 25 August, Mr Vollmar (SG of WWF) congratulates Mr Petter for
the success of the project and for a report that mentions the necessity
for Mr Peyrerias to pursue his work on aye-aye. Mr Vollmar asks Mr
Petter to submit a new proposal for a new project for 1967 or 1967-68
On 22 December 1966, Mr Peyrerias succeeds in capturing at least 5
couples of aye-aye.
WWF report by Paul Schauenberg. Range of the aye-aye species:
between Antalaha and Mananjary. The species was spotted in
Ankarafantsika in 1914. According to legend: it is dangerous to sleep
in the forest. If an aye-aye comes and slipped a “pillow” under the
person, this is a good omen that will bring fortunes. If the “pillow” is
put under the person’s feet, this is a very bad omen that will lead to
the person’s death shortly. And if the gods protect him, he will be ensorcelled ! The first captured aye-aye on display in a zoo was in 1862
(in London Zoo) others were brought to Berlin, Cologne, Amsterdam
and Paris. The last export took place in 1931 where a couple were
sent to London Zoo. No reproduction took place in captivity and the
longest life span recorded in captivity was 9 years. The report talked
about the happy collaboration between the MNHN and WWF.
© Diana Bradshaw
1966:
1967
•
•
IUCN Bulletin July/Sept 1967. The report said that a field visit in
1957 detected aye-aye in a patch of forest in Mahambo. In just 7
years, aye aye are gone from this reserve of Ambato Malamo. Thanks
to WWF support, an aye aye reserve was established. However by
1963, due to increasing human population and the construction
of the Tamatave road, the reserve was disturbed and the aye aye
chased beyond the reserve. It appeared that the reserve of Mahambo
was not sustainable due to human encroachment and disturbances.
Following the success of the Nosy Mangabe aye-aye project, Petter
is thinking of transfering other species Indri indri, Propithecus
diademaand, Avahi laniger. A report by JJ Petter mentioning a film,
plantation of coco and banana trees on the island of Nosy Mangabe,
erection of simple building on the beach , purchase of a boat (“Boston Whaler”) to ease the travel to the island and facilitate the control
and monitoring.
1968
•
•
•
•
On March 6th 1968, 9 aye-aye have been collected and transferred to
the island of Nosy Mangabe. The animals seem to be in good health
and a film was produced. Coco and banana trees were planted on the
island to increase food availability.
At the entry of the village of Maroantsetra, a cage was erected for the
first in-situ research on a couple of aye-aye.
A small house was built on the beach to host a museum and permanent exhibition on aye-aye.
A good analysis of the situation: the main direct threats are habitat
destruction through exotic plantation and uncontrolled felling and
burning to open up new areas for cultivation and to accommodate
the ever-increasing herds of domestic cattle. A driver that is mentioned is the rapid increase in human population.
The island Nosy Mangabe, a last stronghold for the threatened aye-aye lemur
© Markus Fleute
Rainforest, Masoala National Park, Madagascar
© Peter Mansfield
Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) crossing a track near Berenty Reserve in the spiny forest ecoregion of far south Madagascar
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
The globally unique landscape of Madagascar
on the edge of the West Indian Ocean is home
to 5% of the world’s plant and animal species,
of which 90% are endemic to Madagascar.
More primates can be found here than
anywhere else in the world. These include the
extraordinary lemurs.
Little is known about many of the region’s lemurs, many for example are only just being
discovered now. More than a hundred species are now know to scientists making
Madagascar the highest priority for primate conservation today, so significant that
scientists have named the island the ‘eighth continent’. The lemurs vary in species and
status: from ‘pocket-sized’ mouse lemurs that can easily fit in the palm of a hand, to
culturally significant species; from bizarre dancing lemurs to other that have evolved
unique abilities to catch prey. Others still, are so seldom seen that they have taken on
mythical status. What is known, are that their futures are uncertain.
Many of the lemur species are endangered. A combination of human pressures:
hunting and international wildlife trade, habitat destruction, particularly deforestation
and degradation, and infrastructure development, is quickly eroding populations of
these extraordinary species.
© Thomas Hahn
The clock is ticking: over a 50 year period Madagascar lost 40% of its forest cover.
Losing the biological, economical and cultural benefits derived from these species, their
further decline would also deal a serious blow to communities. As ambassadors of the
Madagacar region, vulnerable to pressure and changes in the environment, the status
of the lemur species is one indicator of the health and ecological integrity of the entire
island. The well-being of these species is therefore closely linked to the sustainable
management of the region and to limiting the environmental impacts of increased
economic activity. Any impact on the ecological balance of the environment also
threatens the sustainability of the resources that support 20 million people.
In its 50th year of working in Madagascar, WWF encourages others to join us in
supporting the government to commit to an overarching green economy. Key steps that
could be taken to create these enabling conditions include:
• Prioritizing government investment and spending in areas that stimulate the greening
of economic sectors as opposed to depleting our natural capital; and
• Investing in capacity building and training; and
• Establishing sound regulatory frameworks;
The Sahamalaza sportive lemur
(Lepilemur sahamalazensis)
In addition, underpinning these regional efforts to encourage and maintain a healthy
and sustainable population of the species presented in this report, WWF aims to work
closely with governments and key partners to:
• Restore focal species populations to forests where they were once abundant;
• Recover focal species populations where populations still exist; and
• Reconnect and protect forest habitat to ensure focal species populations increase. This
can be achieved through international countries fostering greater sustainable forestry,
alternative forest uses and sustainable livelihoods. This will alleviate further pressure on
remaining populations of the region’s unique lemurs.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
19
© Sebastian Gehring
Liophidium pattoni, a new snake species discovered within the newly created Makira National Park, province of Mahajanga,
in the North East of Madagascar. The species was also later encountered in Masoala National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Introduction:
Madagascar
treasure island
Geography
Madagascar is the oldest island and the fourth largest
in the world; at 587,000 km2 it is comparable to the
size of France and is home to 22 million people. Neither
African, nor AsianI, but genetically evenly balanced
between the two, Madagascar separated from the
African continent some 165 million years and from the
Indian subcontinent 80 to 100 million years ago. This
long isolation from neighbouring landmasses has
allowed a unique array of plants and animals to evolve,
including hundreds of endemicsII. These characteristics
have led some scientists to dub Madagascar the “eighth
continent”2.
The region boasts four ecoregions, critical landscapes of international biological
importance. The eastern part of the island is covered by a narrow band of tropical
rainforests that lead to steep hills and central highlands, with volcanic mountains rising
to the north in the Tsaratanana Massif. The northwest coast forms a series of natural
coves and two thirds of the country’s islands, with broad plains inland, while the
southwest region consists of tropical dry forests, plateaus and deserts. Because of the
island’s localised red soils, Madagascar has also been called the “Great Red Island”.
Biodiversity bounty
Madagascar is one of the greatest tropical wildernesses left on Earth and has an
impressive array of biodiversity, including a rich assemblage of mammals, birds,
amphibians and fishes. The globally unique landscape is home to 5% of the world’s plant
and animal species3, of which 90% are endemic to Madagascar4.
The level of terrestrial endemism found in the region is unparalleled, particularly at the
higher taxonomic levels of families and genera. Thus, among higher plants and
vertebrates, 25 families and nearly 500 genera are endemic5.
The wildlife of Madagascar includes aye-aye, radiated tortoises, spider tortoises, marine
turtles, flying fox, fossa, fanaloka, vontsira, tenrec, snakes, chameleons, crocodiles and
frogs. More than 100 known species of lemur are found only on this island6. The bird
fauna includes some extraordinary bird species, such as the ground-rollers, cuckoorollers, and mesites, as well as seriously endangered species such as the Madagascar
serpent-eagle (Eutriorchis astur, EN) and Madagascar fish-eagle (Haliaeetus
vociferoides, CR), one of WWF’s flagship species. Of the estimated 14,000 plants
native to Madagascar, 80% are found nowhere else in the world7, including six species
of baobab, or bottle tree.
The significance of the flora and fauna of Madagascar is not only their diversity, but also
their remarkable endemism. The high level of species unique to Madagascar resulted
from tens of millions of years of isolation from the African and Indian mainland and
from people, who only arrived 2,000 years ago I. The islands have an astounding eight
plant families, five bird families, and five primate families that live nowhere else on
Earth. In addition, such is the uniqueness of the remarkable species and habitats on
Madagascar that even today hundreds of new species continue to be newly discovered,
having never before been encountered.
Using Borneo as a well-known benchmark for extraordinary tropical species endemism,
Madagascar far-exceeds the Southeast Asian island’s diversity.
Settlement of Madagascar happened between 200 and 500 A.D, when seafarers from southeast Asia
(probably from Borneo or the southern Celebes) arrived by boat. The Malagasy language shares some
90% of its basic vocabulary with the Ma’anyan language from the region of the Barito River in
southern Borneo. Other recent evidence (Bob Dewar, unpublished) suggests people arrived 4000
years ago.
II
Endemic refers to a species that is exclusively native to a specific place and found nowhere else. For
example, the kiwi is a bird endemic to New Zealand.
I
© Patrick Schönecker
Furcifer timoni (male)
Introduction
Table 1. Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity richness
Diversity and Endemism
Taxonomic Group Species
Endemic Species Percent Endemism
Plants
13,000
11,600
89
Mammals
155
14
92
Birds
310
181
58
Reptiles
384
367
95
Amphibians
235
229
99
Freshwater fish
164
97
59
Invertebrates
5,800
4,988
86
Sources: Conservation International, 2000. Ecosystem Profile: Madagascar Ecosystem of the Madagascar &
Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot; Goodman, SM. and Benstead, JP. (Eds.). 2003. The Natural History
of Madagascar. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; Andreone F. (Editor), 2008. A Conservation Strategy for
the Amphibians of Madagascar - Monografie XLV. Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Torino.
Table 2. Madagascar vs Borneo – How they compare...
Endemic Species
Taxonomic Group
Madagascar
Borneo
Plants
11,600
7,000
Mammals
144
44
Birds
181
39
Reptiles
367
88
Amphibians
229
100
Freshwater fish
97
160
Note: All figures are estimates.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
23
© Olivier Landgrand / WWF-Canon
Beach on Nosy Be Island, Madagascar
24
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
WWF priority
landscapes:
For centuries, the ecosystems of Madagascar
have made Madagascar is deemed by
conservationists to be one of the top five most
threatened hotspots on Earth because of its
unique biodiversity and the pressure it faces from
a combination of increasing threats.
WWF has been active on the island for 50 years,
working with government, private sector, NGOs
and local communities to protect Madagascar’s
unique biodiversity.
Together with its partners, WWF seeks the sustainable management of Madagascar’s
unique forest, freshwater and marine resources so that biodiversity is conserved,
ecosystem functions and services are maintained, the impacts of climate change are
mitigated, and sustainable development and economic growth improve the livelihoods of
the people of Madagascar.
Successfully placing the region on a sustainable development path will require the commitment and the increased capacity of governments, industry and local communities alike
to protect and sustainably manage one of the world’s most outstanding forest, freshwater
and marine landscapes.
With protection and management comes a viable future for the people and species that live
here.
WWF priority landscapes:
We are focusing our efforts and resources on the following key landscapes:
- Northern Mozambique Channel Conservation Area (regional seascape)
The northern Mozambique Channel is one of the world’s globally outstanding marine biodiversity areas and serves as a biological reservoir for the entire coastal East African region. Endemism is marked
and overall reef diversity is second only to the Coral Triangle, with an estimated 450 coral species.
The oceanographic mechanisms that have created the Coral Triangle are strongly paralleled in our
seascape. Owing to its consequent high productivity, it is one of the most important breeding and
foraging areas for WWF’s flagship marine cetaceans and turtles as well as footprint-impacted
humphead wrasse, sharks, tuna and billfish.
- Manombolo-Tsiribihina (Morondava)
The Manambolo Tsiribihina landscape stands for approximately 70,000 ha of mangroves which
are home to various endemic species listed in the IUCN red list such as the Madagascar fish eagle
(Haliaeetus vociferoides, CR , and only 20 couples remaining), Madagascar sacred ibis (Threskiornis
bernieri, EN), Humblot’s heron (Ardea humbloti, EN), and the Bernier’s teal (Anas bernieri, EN).
The mangroves are contained in the Manambolomaty and Menabe- Antimena protected areas, both
of which have temporary protection status. The mangrove ecosystems have important ecological
functions and act as a production site for aquatic resources such as crabs, shrimps and fish: more than
twenty species of fish, including four endemic species.
- Fandriana Vondrozo Forest Corridor (COFAV)
The COFAV is a group of lowland, medium altitude and high mountain moist forests. It is a unique
habitat including a high endemism center and its forest residues are composed of a great number of
endemic plants (Dalbergia baronii, VU). The succession of forests allows the circulation of the gene
flow, an essential feature for the long term survival of the species; it goes in two directions, along the
corridor and following the altitude. Forests form at 100% unique habitats for flagship primates and
reptiles such as the: Golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus, EN), Greater bamboo lemur
(Prolemur simus, CR), Eulemur albocolaris and Matoatoa spanrinngi.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
25
Introduction
- Mahafaly Land and Seascape (South of Toliara)
The Mahafaly Plateau is a globally unique landscape, possessing the highest rates of floral
endemism (95%) of any region in Madagascar. The Tertiary limestone plateau forms a karst
landscape traversed by a labyrinth of underground rivers, dotted with caves and sinkholes and
home to the endemic blind fish (Typhleotris madagascariensis, EN). The Plateau hosts a range
of locally endemic fauna, including several reptiles, the bird species the Red-shouldered Vanga
(Calicalicus rufocarpalis, VU) and the Giant-striped Mongoose (Galidictis grandidieri, EN), as
well as the charismatic lemurs (Propithecus verreauxi , VU), and Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta,
NT). The landscape is also the last stronghold of the Critically Endangered tortoise (Astrochelys
radiata, CR).
- Fiherenana-Manombo (North of Toliara)
Spanning two river systems, the diverse habitats of the Fiherenana-Manombo landscape, which
include distinct spiny thickets on limestone and red sand substrates, gallery forest and deciduous
dry forest in the valleys and regionally important wetlands, support the highest bird, mammal and
reptile diversity of any landscape in southern Madagascar. Key species include Subdesert Mesite
(Monias benschi, VU), and Long-tailed Ground-roller (Uratelornis chimaera, VU), two locallyendemic, monotypic bird genera belonging to endemic families, the little-known carnivore
Mungotictis decemlineata lineata (known from only two specimens), and a range of locallyendemic reptiles.
- Mandrare River Basin (Fort Dauphin)
In the extreme South of Madagascar, the Mandrare River Basin is a unique assemblage of humid
forests and spiny/succulent bushes. Transition forests from humid to dry, along with the gallery
forest are home to highly range-restricted species, while the humid forests host some of
Madagascar’s endangered lemurs such as Rusty-gray Lesser Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur
meridionalis, VU), and Collared Brown Lemur (Eulemur collaris, VU). The spiny thickets of
Southern Madagascar are home to the emblematic Lemur catta and 90% of its plant species are
endemic – including Aloe suzannae (CR) and Aloe helenae (CR), of which only a few individuals
are still found in the wild.
- Saya de Malha
Far from any shore, the submerged Saya de Malha Banks in the southwest Indian Ocean are home
to what is believed to be the largest contiguous seagrass meadow in the world (40,000 km2), with
80–90 % of shallow surfaces being covered by seagrasses dominated almost exclusively by
Thalassondendron ciliatum at depths up to 30–40 m, with additional records of Halophila
decipiens (LC) and Enhalus acoroides (LC). The shallow water marine ecosystem on Saya de
Malha Banks provides feeding habitats for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas, EN), as well as
breeding grounds for blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda, known as the pygmy blue
whale and resident in the Western Indian Ocean.
- Northern Highlands
The Northern Highlands include one of the largest blocks of humid forests in Madagascar. In the
east it includes the Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud special reserve and extends
westwards to the Sambirano forests in the northwest of the island near Ambanja. One of the most
striking features of this landscape is its diversity of reptiles and amphibians, with perhaps as many
as half of all Malagasy species occurring here. It is a global centre of reptile and amphibian
diversity and endemism. It is also the home of the ancient plant, Takhtajania perrieri (EN) and
the charismatic lemur, the Silky Sifaka (Propithecus candidus, CR), a WWF flagship species.
26 Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
© Leslie Flint
Petter’s sportive lemur (Lepilemur petteri)
The land
of lemurs
The charismatic lemurs of Madagascar epitomise
everything that is unique about this region of the
Indian Ocean…
Biology
Lemurs are a special group of primates found only on
Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, where they were most
likely introduced. Lemurs live in a variety of habitats. Some
live in moist, tropical rainforests, while others live in dry
desert areas.
All lemurs belong to the suborder Strepsirrhini within the order Primates. Lemurs are
prosimiansIII. They are social animals with long limbs, flexible toes and fingers, and long
noses. Each type of lemur looks very different. They vary in colour from reddish brown to
gray, and come in all different sizes, too.
With a few exceptions, lemurs demonstrate the rare behavior of female social dominance
both within and outside the context of feeding.
The more than 100 existing species and subspecies are divided among 5 families and 15
genera. The smallest lemur, the pygmy mouse lemur, weighs only 28 g (1 oz). But the
biggest lemurs, the Indri and Diademed Sifaka lemurs, can weigh up to 6.8 kg (15 lb).
The largest lemur ever to live was the Archaeoindris. With a weight ranging between 160
and 200kg, it was comparable in size to a male gorilla. With its weight ranging between
160 and 200 kg, it became extinct due to hunting and habitat loss when humans first
settled in Madagascar about 2,000 years agoIV.
Most lemurs are highly arboreal and activity patterns range widely. Some are nocturnal,
whilst others are active during the day or both. Having diversified over at least 50
millions of years to fill every ecological niche, diets also vary widely, though fruit, leaves,
and insects make up the majority of the diet for most species.
Lemurs are often seen ‘sunbathing’ in a meditative type position. Because their bellies are
not as protected from a colder environment, these animals will warm themselves up by
basking in the sunlight before they proceed to their daily foraging activities.
Lemurs use their lower teeth, incisors and canines as a toothcomb to groom themselves
as well as other members of the group. They are vocal animals, making sounds that range
from the grunts and swears of brown lemurs and sifaka to the chirps of mouse lemurs to
the eerie, wailing call of the indri.
Taxonomy
Lemur taxonomy is controversial, and not all experts agree, particularly with the recent
increase in the number of recognised species8,9,10. According to some experts there are
currently more than 100 recognised species or subspecies of living lemur, divided into five
families and 15 genera11. In contrast, other scientists have labelled this as ‘taxonomic inflation’12, instead preferring a total closer to 50 species13. A list of over 100 species and
subspecies is available in Appendix 1.
Between 2000 through 2008, 39 new species were described and nine other taxa
resurrected. Many of these new species have been recently described as new based largely
on increased sampling efforts and more rigorous DNA analysis.
Prosimians are a type of primate that include lemurs, lorises, bushbabies, and tarsiers, but not
monkeys, apes, or humans (simians).
IV
Other recent evidence (Bob Dewar, unpublished) suggests people arrived 4000 years ago.
III
28
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
© Markus Fleute
The eastern lesser bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus), Marojejy National Park, Madagascar.
© Kenneth Shaw
The global importance of
Madagascar’s lemurs
According to renowned
primatologist, herpetologist and
biological anthropologist Russell
A. Mittermeier in The Eighth
Continent, although Madagascar
“is only one of 92 countries with
wild primate populations, it is alone
responsible for 21 percent (14 of 65)
of all primate genera and 36 percent
(five of 14) of all primate families,
making it the single highest priority”
for primate conservation.
“Madagascar is so important for
primates that primatologists divide
the world into four major regions:
the whole of South and Central
America, all of southern and
southeast Asia, mainland Africa,
and Madagascar, which ranks as a
full-fledged region all by itself.”
Source: Tyson, Peter and Russell
A. Mittermeier. The Eighth
Continent: Life, Death, and
Discovery in the Lost World of
Madagascar. Morrow, William &
Co, 2000.
Black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata)
30
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
Land of lemurs
Among the list of new lemurs are new species of mouse lemurs, the world’s tiniest
primates. For example Berthe’s Mouse Lemur (Microcebus berthae) discovered in 2000
is among the smallest of the mouse lemurs; the average body length is 92 millimetres
(3.6 in) and weight is around 30 g. It is found in the Kirindy Mitea National Park in
Western Madagascar. In 1992 there were only two known mouse lemur species. This
number has since jumped to 15, at least nine discovered in the last decade. There is also
incredible diversity among single species: one study by scientists examined 70 mouse
lemurs with varying coat colours and from different types of forest locations and
revealed that they were in fact all the same species14.
Cultural significance
Globally, many people are familiar with Madagascar only because of its extraordinary
lemurs. Nationally, the subsistence, culture, history and beliefs of the many millions of
people across the island are intrinsically entwined with these species.
Lemurs are hunted and killed for bushmeat and provide a food source for communities
as part of their daily subsistence. However, some lemurs were once revered and
protected by fady (taboos), such as the indri. There are countless variations on the
legend of the indri’s origins, but they all treat it as a sacred animal, not to be hunted or
harmed. In reality, however, indri are sometimes hunted, along with other lemur
species.
The aye-aye, by contrast, is under threat from fady. In addition to habitat destruction,
they are a near threatened species due to a native superstition. Besides being a general
nuisance in villages, ancient Malagasy legend said the aye-aye was a symbol of death
and are commonly thought to be bad omens by some of the Malagasy people. When
spotted, they are killed on sight and hung up so that the evil spirit will be carried away.
In fact, the Western name “lemur” comes from the Latin word lemures, which means
‘spirits of the night’ or ‘ghosts’. Although the Latin ‘ghost’ does not enter into Malagasy
perceptions of the species, ironically, today all lemurs are in danger of vanishing, such is
the extent of forest loss on the island. 17 lemur species became extinct after the arrival
of the human settlers to the island approximately 2,000 years ago15,16,17.
Conservation
Many of the species are endangered. A combination of human pressures - habitat
destruction, particularly deforestation and degradation, and conversion of forest to
agricultural land, infrastructure development, hunting and international wildlife trade is quickly eroding populations of these extraordinary species.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified 8 as
Critically Endangered, 18 as Endangered, 15 as Vulnerable, four as Near Threatened,
eight as Least Concern, 41 as Data Deficient, and seven have yet to be evaluated. Five
lemur species are among the 25 most threatened primate in the world: Prolemur simus,
Propithecus candidus, Eulemur cinereiceps, Lepilemur septentrionalis, Eulemur
flavifrons18.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
31
Lemurs on
the brink
The number of lemur species and subspecies has
exploded from 38 in 1931 to 101 in 2010. This
phenomenon is a truly incredible story and an
excellent rationale for continued support of
conservation activities in Madagascar.
Conserving the island’s forests is necessary
because there is still so much we do not know
about lemurs and still so much to be discovered.
However, with so many unique species of lemur creeping towards the extinction abyss, it is
an impossible task to present the plight of all of them individually in this report
(although all are deserving). Instead, we have focused attention on a small number of
species that best represent and capture the full diversity of lemurs in the region (Table
3). The chosen species feature the most charismatic, unique, compelling, and obscure
characters among Madagascar’s lemurs. At least one species from each of the five families
is highlighted.
Collectively, all lemurs face the same threats and all species currently share the same
uncertain future.
Table 3. Captivating charactersV
Latin Name
Common Name
Family Daubentoniidae
Daubentonia madagascariensis
Aye-aye
Family Indriidae
Indri indri
Indri
Propithecus candidus
Silky sifaka
Propithecus verreauxi Verreaux’s sifaka
Family Lemuridae
Lemur catta
Ring-tailed lemur
Prolemur simus
Greater bamboo lemur
Varecia variegata
Black-and-white ruffed lemur
Hapalemur alaotrensis
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur/Bandro
Family Lepilemuridae
Lepilemur petteri
Petter’s sportive lemur
Lepilemur leucopus
White-footed sportive lemur
Family Cheirogaliidae
Microcebus berthae
Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur
Microcebus rufus
Brown mouse lemur
V
Note: This list has been generated by WWF to highlight the extraordinary diversity among lemur
species (across 5 different families). The list may vary from those of other organisations and should
not be treated as a priority list of species to focus conservation efforts on.
32
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
© Rachel Kramer / National Wildlife Federation International
Lemurs on the brink
Silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus)
© Laszlo Bolgar
Prosimians
in peril:
the species*
© Catherine Rouse
Lemurs on the brink
Silky sifaka
Indri
(Propithecus candidus)
(Indri indri)
Distribution: Inhabits the
lowland and montane
forests along the eastern
coast of Madagascar,
from the Réserve Spéciale
d’Anjanaharibe-Sud in the
north to the Mangoro River
in the south.
IUCN status: Endangered
The indri was once
revered and protected
by legend…
The indri also called the
babakoto, is the largest
living lemur. It is a diurnal
tree-dweller related to the
sifakas. The indri practices
long-term monogamy,
seeking a new partner only
after the death of a mate.
The species is well known
for its loud, distinctive
songs, which can last from
45 seconds to more than 3
minutes.
The indri is revered and
protected by fady (taboos).
There are countless
variations on the legend
of the indri’s origins, but
they all treat it as a sacred
animal, not to be hunted or
harmed.
*
34
Selected species.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
The indri is an endangered
species. The primary
threats to its existence are
habitat destruction and
fragmentation due to slash
and burn agriculture,
fuelwood gathering, and
logging. This kind of
destruction occurs even in
protected areas.
The species is also widely
hunted, despite the many
origin myths and
traditional taboos which
hold it sacred. Cultural
erosion and immigration
are partly to blame for the
breakdown of traditional
beliefs. Indri meat is prized
as a delicacy in some
regions.
Aye-aye
(Daubentonia
madagascariensis)
See page 9.
Distribution: Restricted
to the humid forest from
Marojejy to Makira in the
northeast.
IUCN status: Critically
Endangered
One of “The World’s
25 Most Endangered
Primates”…
This iconic and charismatic
species is one of five lemurs
listed as one of “The
World’s 25 Most
Endangered Primates”
evaluated as critically
endangered of extinction by
IUCN. The species has been
on the list all five times
since its inception in 2000.
The silky sifaka, or
simpona, is a large lemur
characterised by long,
silky white fur. The name
“sifaka” is a reference to a
common general alarm
vocalization given by
western dry forest sifakas in
which they emit an
explosive, hiss-like “sheefaak” call several times in
succession. On the east
coast, local residents refer
to the larger bodied
diademed sifaka as
simpona, a name which
refers to the species’
sneeze-like “zzuss” alarm
vocalizations. The calls
are emitted in a variety of
stressful circumstances
such as presence of
humans, falling trees,
terrestrial predators, and
after aggression between
group members. The
species name, candidus, is
Latin for “white”, while the
species name of the
taxonomic synonym
sericeus is derived from
the Greek word for “silk”.
The main threats to
simpona are hunting for
bush meat and habitat
degradation. Illegal logging
of precious hardwoods,
such as rosewood and
ebony, has become one
of the greatest threats to
the silky sifaka’s habitat,
especially since the 2009
Malagasy political crisis.
Its two largest protected
areas, Masoala National
Park and Marojejy
National Park, have been
the hardest hit. The
disturbance caused by
selective logging increases
the likelihood of forest
fires, helps invasive species
take root, impairs habitat,
and causes the loss of
genetic diversity. In much
of its range the silky sifaka
is not found below 700 m
(2,300 ft) in altitude,
possibly due to either
hunting pressure or habitat
preference.
This species is WWF’s
flagship species for the
northern highlands.
© Ian & Kate Bruce
Lemurs on the brink
Verreaux’s sifaka
(Propithecus verreauxi)
Distribution: Small
spiny forest fragments of
South Madagascar, sifaka
abundance appears to be
influenced by the
proportion of large trees
and by the abundance of
the plant species Allouadia
procera, a key species of
the spiny forest habitat.
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Very charismatic
symbol of the spiny
forest, well known for
its ‘dance’…
Verreaux’s sifaka
(Propithecus verreauxi),
or the white sifaka, is a
medium sized primate in
one of the lemur families,
Indriidae. It can be found
in a variety of habitats
from rainforest to western
Madagascar dry deciduous
forests and dry and spiny
forests. The fur is thick and
silky and generally white
with brown on the sides,
top of the head, and on the
arms. Like all sifakas, it
has a long tail that it uses
as a balance when leaping
from tree to tree. However,
its body is so highly
adapted to an arboreal
existence that on the
ground its only means of
locomotion is hopping.
The species lives in small
troops which forage for
food.
Verreaux’s sifaka are
diurnal and arboreal, and
engage in sunbathing with
outstretched arms and
legs. Verreaux’s sifaka
move through the trees
by clinging and leaping
between vertical supports.
They are capable of making
remarkable leaps through
the trees - distances of
9-10m are not uncommon.
On the ground, they hop
bipedally. They live in
family groups, or troops,
of 2-12, which may consist
of one male and female, or
many males and females
together. Group and
population sex ratio can be
more or less skewed
toward males. Many
groups seem to be
effectively harem groups
with a single dominant
male unrelated with
resident female(s). They
have a home range of as
small as 2.8ha, and
although they are
territorial, it is the food
source they will defend
rather than the territory’s
boundaries, as often
boundaries overlap.
Females are dominant over
males, forming a
matriarchal society.
There are many things
unknown about Verreaux’s
sifaka.
© Jerzy K Kulski
Lemurs on the brink
Ring-tailed lemur
(Lemur catta)
Distribution: Inhabits
gallery forests to spiny
scrub in the southern
regions of the island.
IUCN status: Near
Threatened
A very famous symbol
of Madagascar…
The ring-tailed lemur
(Lemur catta) is a large
strepsirrhine primate and
the most recognized lemur
due to its long, black and
white ringed tail. It belongs
to Lemuridae, one of five
lemur families, and is the
only member of the Lemur
genus. It is omnivorous
and the most terrestrial of
lemurs. The animal is
diurnal, being active
exclusively in daylight
hours.The ring-tailed lemur
is highly social, living in
groups of up to 30
individuals. It is also female
dominant, a trait common
among lemurs. To keep
warm and reaffirm social
bonds, groups will huddle
together. The ring-tailed
36
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
lemur will also sunbathe,
sitting upright facing its
underside, with its thinner
white fur towards the sun.
To mark its territory, the
males perform a unique
scent marking behavior
called spur marking and
will participate in stink
fights by impregnating their
tail with their scent and
wafting it at opponents.
As one of the most vocal
primates, the ring-tailed
lemur uses numerous
vocalisations including
group cohesion and alarm
calls. Experiments have
shown that the ring-tailed
lemur, despite the lack
of a large brain (relative
to simiiform primates),
can organize sequences,
understand basic arithmetic
operations and
preferentially select tools
based on functional
qualities.
The ring-tailed lemur has
been listed since 1977 by
CITES under Appendix
I, which makes trade of
wild-caught specimens
illegal. Although there are
more endangered species of
lemur, the ring-tailed lemur
is considered a flagship species due to its
recognisability.
Three factors threaten ringtailed lemurs. First and
foremost is habitat destruction. Starting nearly 2,000
years ago with the
introduction of humans
to the island, forests have
been cleared to produce
pasture and agricultural
land. Extraction of
hardwoods for fuel and
lumber, as well mining
and overgrazing, have also
taken their toll. Today, it
is estimated that 90% of
Madagascar’s original
forest cover has been
lost. Rising populations
have created even greater
demand in the southwest
portion of the island for fuel
wood, charcoal, and
lumber. Fires from the
clearing of grasslands, as
well as slash-and-burn
agriculture destroy forests.
Another threat to the
species is harvesting either
for food (bush meat) or
pets. Finally, periodic
drought common to
southern Madagascar can
impact populations already
in decline. In 1991 and
1992, for example, a severe
drought caused an
abnormally high mortality
rate among infants and
females at the Beza
Mahafaly Special Reserve.
Two years later, the
population had declined by
31% and took nearly four
years to start to recover.
The ring-tailed lemur
resides in several protected
areas within its range.
Lemurs on the brink
© Freddy Johansen
Greater bamboo lemur
(Prolemur simus)
Population: The most
recent total count is 60
animals in the wild. Other
estimates suggest the
population may be as high
as 100 and 160
individuals left in the wild.
Distribution: Current
range is restricted to
southeastern Madagascar.
Some notable parts of
the current range are the
Ranomafana and
Andringitra National
Parks.
IUCN status:
Critically Endangered
One of “The World’s
25 Most Endangered
Primates.”
The greater bamboo lemur
(Prolemur simus), also
known as the broad-nosed
bamboo lemur and the
broad-nosed gentle lemur,
is the largest bamboo
lemur, at over five pounds
or nearly 2.5 kilograms.
It has greyish brown fur
and white ear tufts, and
has a head-body length of
around one and a half feet,
or forty to fifty
centimetres. It feeds
almost exclusively on the
bamboo species of
Cathariostachys
madagascariensis,
preferring the shoots but
also eating the pith and
leaves. It is unknown how
Greater bamboo lemur, Ranomafana National Park
their metabolism deals
with the cyanide found in
the shoots. The typical
daily dose would be
enough to kill humans.
Greater bamboo lemurs
occasionally consume
fungi, flowers, and fruit. Its
only confirmed predator is
the fossa, but raptors are
also suspected.
Greater bamboo lemurs
live in groups of up to 28.
Individuals are extremely
gregarious. The species
may be the only lemur in
which the male is
dominant, although this
is not certain. Because of
their social nature, greater
bamboo lemurs have at
least seven different calls.
The greater bamboo lemur
(Prolemur simus), is one of
the world’s most critically
endangered primates,
according to the IUCN Red
List. Scientists believed
that it was extinct, but a
remnant population was
discovered in 1986. The
home range of the species
is likewise drastically
reduced. The current range
is less than 4 per cent of
its historic distribution.
Most of the former range is
no longer suitable habitat
due to this species’ dietary
specialization on bamboo
and its microhabitat
preferences. The outlook
is dire since areas with
critically low population
numbers have no official
protection, and comprise
severely degraded habitat.
The species is endangered
by the following: slash
and burn farming, mining,
bamboo and other logging,
and slingshot hunting.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
37
© Arthur Chapman
Lemurs on the brink
Black-and-white ruffed lemur
(Varecia variegata)
Population: The general
population is decreasing
dramatically. Studies have
shown overtime that in
the last 27 years there has
been an 80% decrease in
individual black and white
ruffed lemurs. From the
Vasey studies of 2003 it
was shown that the most
densely populated area
of black and white ruffed
lemurs was Nosy Mangabe.
It had around 29–43
individuals/km2.
Consequently came
Anatanamatazo with 10–15
individuals/km2, and then
Manomba with.4-2.5
individuals/km2.
Distribution: The eastern
side of the island
IUCN status: Critically
Endangered
The black-and-white ruffed
lemur (Varecia variegata)
is the more endangered of
the two species of ruffed
lemurs, both of which are
endemic to the island of
Madagascar. Despite having
a larger range than the red
ruffed lemur, it has a much
smaller population that is
spread out, living in lower
population densities and
reproductively isolated. It
also has less coverage and
protection in large national
parks than the red ruffed
lemur.
Together with the red
ruffed lemur, they are the
largest extant members
of the family Lemuridae,
38
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
ranging in length from 100
to 120 cm (3.3 to 3.9 ft) and
weighing between 3.1 and
4.1 kg (6.8 and 9.0 lb). They
are arboreal, spending
most of their time in the
high canopy of the seasonal
rainforests on the eastern
side of the island. They are
also diurnal, active
exclusively in daylight
hours. Quadrupedal
locomotion is preferred
in the trees and on the
ground, and suspensory
behavior is seen during
feeding. As the most
frugivorous of lemurs, the
diet consists mainly of fruit,
although nectar and flowers
are also favored, followed
by leaves and some seeds.
The black-and-white ruffed
lemur has a complex social
structure and is known for
its loud, raucous calls. It is
unusual in that it exhibits
several reproductive traits
typically found in small,
nocturnal lemurs, such as
a short gestation period,
large litters and rapid
maturation.
The most frugivorous of
all the lemur species, they
will and often do feed on
80 to 132 different plant
species. Studies show that
most of their feeding time
is spent on basic fruit which
consumes around 80% of
that time.
Parenting in this species of
lemurs is unique in that no
single infant is invested in
but instead, females bare
litters of multiple offspring.
The black-and-white ruffed
lemur is preyed upon by the
Henst’s goshawk (Accipiter
henstii), fossa
(Cryptoprocta ferox), ringtailed mongoose (Galidia
elegans) and brown-tailed
mongoose (Salanoia
concolor). Nesting behavior
poses the greatest risks for
predation, especially
mammalian predators.
Lemurs on the brink
© Daniel Fernandez
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur
(Hapalemur alaotrensis)
Distribution: In and
around Lac Alaotra, in
northeast Madagascar
IUCN status:
Critically Endangered
The Lac Alaotra bamboo
lemur (Hapalemur
alaotrensis), also known
as the Lac Alaotra gentle
lemur, Alaotran bamboo
lemur, Alaotran gentle
lemur, or locally as the
bandro, is a bamboo
lemur. It is endemic to the
reed beds in and around
Lac Alaotra, in northeast
Madagascar. This lemur is
the only primate
specifically adapted to living in papyrus reeds. Unlike other bamboo lemurs,
the Lac Alaotra bamboo
lemur does not eat
bamboo; instead, it feeds
on the stems of papyrus
reeds, shoots of
Phragmites communis,
and two types of grasses
(Echinocochla crusgalli
and Leersia hexandra).
Its tail and body are both
40 cm on average, and it
weighs between 1.1 and1.4
kg, with males slightly
larger than females. Its
dense, woolly fur is a gray
brown on the back, lighter
gray on the face and chest,
and chestnut brown on the
head and neck. The
classification of the bandro
is disputed, with some
classifying it as a
subspecies of Hapalemur
griseus, while others see it
as a separate species.
Current genetic data do
not support species
status. Mitochondrial DNA
sequences from the two
populations H. g. griseus
and H. g. alaotrensis are
interspersed with each
other on the phylogenetic
tree. Moreover, average
genetic distances between
the two subspecies are
within the range of within
taxon comparisons and not
in the range of between
taxon comparisons. A
final assessment of species
versus subspecies status
requires filling in gaps in
sampling and the use of
nuclear loci. GenBank, the
universal repository for
genetic sequence
information, has not
accepted the species status
of the Alaooatran lemur
and lists it as a subspecies.
One of WWF’s key
partners in Madagascar,
Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust, has a
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur
conservation program.
Find out more: http://
www.durrell.org/conservation/regions/madagascar/
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
39
WWF believes that the survival of the region’s
threatened lemurs and all of the other unique species
will be ensured by protecting their essential habitat.
Our work concentrates on enlarging the geographic
scale of lemur conservation from site-specific
intervention to the protection, restoration and
sustainable use of the larger habitat in which the
species lives, breeds and disperses.
Priority landscapes of global biological and cultural
importance help WWF to define and focus its
conservation efforts. We are concentrating on ten key
terrestrial and marine landscapes in Madagascar and
the Western Indian Ocean. These expansive areas
overlap with the major corridors of economic activity
in the region. It is therefore of paramount importance
that these crucial environmental, economic and
cultural arteries are developed and maintained in a
sustainable way.
By working as one team across these ecosystems in
Madagascar, good lasting results are being achieved
through a “local to global” approach, where field work
undertaken at community-grassroots level is
complemented with policy initiatives at regional and at
global levels. It is the goal of WWF to promote the
conservation of biodiversity and sustainable
management of Madagascar for the benefit of local
communities and the region as a whole.
The Red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) is restricted to the forests of the Masoala Peninsula near Maroantsetra in northeastern Madagascar
© Joe Shlabotnik
Working across ‘lemur island’ at all levels
to achieve lasting conservation results
© Leslie Flint
Lemurs on the brink
Petter’s sportive lemur
(Lepilemur petteri)
Population: There is no
information on the
population status of this
species.
Distribution:
Southwestern Madagascar
IUCN status:
Data Deficient
This family of lemurs is very
species rich and has grown
with the addition of many
new species described in
recent years.
Their fur is grey brown or
reddish colored on the top
and whitish yellow
underneath. They typically
have a short head with
large, round ears. They
grow to a length of 30
to 35 cm (with a tail just
about as long as their body)
and weigh up to 0.9 kg.
Their eyes have a tapetum
lucidum behind the retina,
hence they have eyeshine.
Sportive lemurs are strictly
nocturnal and
predominantly arboreal,
moving among the trees
with long jumps powered
by their strong hind legs.
42
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
On the ground, they hop
similarly as the kangaroos.
During the day they hide in
the leafy covering or tree
hollows. Sportive lemurs
are solitary but defend
their territory vehemently
against same sex intruders.
The territories of males and
females can overlap.
They are mainly herbivores
and their diet consists
predominantly of leaves.
Listed on CITES Appendix
I. Present in the BezaMahafaly Special Reserve
(Louis et al. 2006). May
also be the species present
in Tsimanampetsotse
National Park. Further
work is now urgently
needed to clarify the
distribution and taxonomic
limits of the recently
described Lepilemur
species.
It is one of the smaller
sportive lemurs with a total
length of about 49 to 54
centimeters, of which 22-25
centimeters are tail. Petter’s
sportive lemur is found in
southwestern Madagascar,
living in dry spiny forests
and some gallery forests.
This species is named after
JJ Petter, of the Muséum
national d’Histoire
naturelle (MNHN), Paris, a
significant figure in lemur
conservation.
Currently known from the
Beza-Mahafaly region in
southwestern Madagascar,
where thought to occur
south of the Onilahy River
and west of the Linta and
Menarandra Rivers. The
northern extent of the
range is unknown.
Formerly, the sportive
lemurs from the BezaMahafaly region were
thought to be L. leucopus,
and it remains unclear how
the distributions of these
two species relate to each
other.
The species is one of 15
new species of Lepilemur
described in 2006.
Lemurs on the brink
© Burrard-Lucas Wildlife Photography
The white-footed sportive
lemur
(Lepilemur leucopus)
The white-footed sportive
lemur (Lepilemur
leucopus), or white-footed
weasel lemur, is a species
of lemur in the
Lepilemuridae family. It
has an appearance similar
to other sportive lemurs,
with a grey dorsal side, a
pale grey to white ventral
side and a light brown tail.
It is a nocturnal animal
that moves through the
forest using a vertical
clinging and leaping
technique. It is endemic to
Madagascar, found in the
southern subtropical or
tropical dry shrubland. It is
threatened by habitat loss
due to agriculture practices
and charcoal production.
This variety of sportive
lemur has been found to
eat mainly leaves, with its
diet remaining unchanged
from season to season.
This species is a cecotroph,
meaning it will consume
and redigest its feces,
aiding in cellulose
breakdown.
The basic social unit of this
species is a mother and
her offspring. Males live in
solidarity and have
territories that will overlap
those of one or more
females. Males may meet
with females during the
night for foraging and
social grooming. During
breeding seasons, males
visit each female in their
territory range to mate,
indicating this species has
a polygynous mating
system. Males ensure
their territory ownership through surveillance
and vocalize loudly when
another male approaches,
warning him that this area
is occupied. If needed,
males will defend their
territory violently.
Like all lemurs, the whitefooted sportive lemur is
endemic to Madagascar.
This species of lemur can
be found in Madagascar’s
southern spiny forests
(made of the tree families
Didiereaceae and
Euphorbiaceae) and gallery
forests. Its range has been
thought to be between the
Menarandra River and the
Mandrare River. However,
due to recent changes in
taxonomic classification of
the white-footed sportive
lemur’s genus,
(Lepilemur), its exact
range and distribution is
unclear. The Berenty
Private Reserve in
southern Madagascar has
estimated this species to
have a density of several
hundreds of individuals
per square kilometer.
Because of the uncertainty
regarding this lemur’s
habitat range, its
conservation status is
listed as Data Deficient. If
it is in fact the southern
region between
Menarandra River and the
Mandrare River, it is likely
the white-footed sportive
lemur should be listed as
threatened.
The use of this species’s
habitat as pasture for
livestock has become a
threat to its survival. The
forests and shrubland of
this region are annually
burned to create new
pasture for agriculture
purposes, which is then
overgrazed. This area
is also subject to forest
clearing to accommodate
charcoal production.
However, Andohahela
National Park is located
within the lemur’s habitat,
protecting some. The
Berenty Private Reserve
also works to preserve this
species.
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
43
© Insert credit
Lemurs on the brink
Berthe’s Mouse Lemur
(Microcebus berthae)
Population: The
Madame Berthe’s mouse
lemur population is sparse
and spread out over a
widespread area
Distribution: There are
unconfirmed
reports that the species
can be found in Kirindy
Mitea National Park in
Madagascar, is also found
to inhabit the Reserve
Speciale d’Andranomena
and the Menabe Antimena
new protected area
supported by Fanamby,
Durrell, WWF and the
MEF. It is also
suggested that they live in
Analabe.
IUCN status: Endangered
44
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
The smallest primate in
the world…
The official discovery of the
Berthe’s Mouse Lemur
(Microcebus berthae) in
2000 was exciting news.
The average body length is
92 millimetres (3.6 in) and
seasonal weight is around
30 g (1.1 oz). The cute
reddish-brown coloured
creature resembling one of
the characters of the
blockbuster film
Madagascar is not only
the tiniest of the mouse
lemurs but also the smallest
primate in the world.
An omnivorous diet, and
used the same food sources,
including sugary
homopteran secretions,
fruit, flowers, gum,
arthropods and small
vertebrates (e.g. geckos,
chameleons).
This lemur is named after
the conservationist
Madame Berthe
Rakotosamimanana of
Madagascar, the Secretary
General of the Groupe
d’Etudes et de Recherche
des Primates (GERP) from
its founding until her death
in 2005.
© Sean Crane
Lemurs on the brink
Brown mouse lemur
(Microcebus rufus)
Distribution: Can be
found in rainforests in
Eastern Madagascar,
and is widely distributed
IUCN status: Least
Concern
The brown mouse lemur
(Microcebus rufus) is a
small primate, and like the
other mouse lemurs can
only be found on the island
of Madagascar. They are
known also as the rufous
mouse lemur, eastern
rufous mouse lemur, red
mouse lemur, or russet
mouse lemur. Its dorsal
side is brown or reddishbrown, while ventrally it is
a whitish-grey.
It was originally
considered a subspecies of
the gray mouse lemur
(Microcebus murinus)
until 1977, when it was
reclassified as a separate
species.
The mouse lemurs are
among the shortest-lived
of primates. The brown
mouse lemur has a lifespan
of 6–8 years in the wild,
although it averages 12
years under human care. It
is a solitary and nocturnal
creature.
Up until recently, the
geographic range of
M. rufus was believed to
extend throughout
Madagascar’s eastern
forests from Taolagnaro
(= Fort Dauphin) in the
south perhaps as far as the
Tsaratanana Massif and
the region of Daraina in
the north. However, recent
field work and analyses of
molecular data have
resulted in the
identification of several
new species within this
distribution, including
the newly described M.
lehilahytsara,
M. mittermeieri,
M. simmonsi, and M.
jollyae (Louis et al. 2006).
Listed as Least Concern as
the species is widespread
and common, and there
are no major threats to the
species. However, given
the decline in available
habitat across the range,
the species is likely to be
slowly declining.
2,000 m asl.
M. rufus is reported to
occur in rain forests, and
also in secondary forest
formations, bamboo
forests, old plantations and
even eucalyptus groves.
They have also been
recorded in the marsh
around Lake Alaotra. This
species sleeps in tree holes
and leaf nests during the
day, and has even been
observed to use old bird
nests. Mating takes place
in September and October,
and 1-3 young are born
following a two month
gestation period (see
Mittermeier et al. 2008,
and references therein).
For the present time, the
range of this species is
tentatively considered
to include much of the
eastern rainforest, at least
from Taolagnaro in the
south to Tsaratanana in
the north. The Microcebus
recorded from Daraina is
currently assigned to this
species pending further
taxonomic investigation.
Ranges from sea level to
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
45
The habitats of Madagascar continue to face
ever-growing threats, including small-scale
unsustainable resource extraction, and
widespread clearance of habitats, primarily for
firewood and charcoal production. This loss is
largely poverty-driven, as Madagascar is one of
the world’s poorest countries, and the demand for
fuelwood and slash-and-burn practices consume
the island’s natural forests.
© Jon Lucas
Trouble
in the trees:
threats to
lemurs
Madagascar has evolved remarkably diverse
ecosystems including lush tropical rainforests,
mountain peaks, tropical dry forests, near-desert
environments, mangrove forests, and coral reefs
– together supporting 5% of all plant and animal
species known to man.
Increasingly, other land uses such as mining and larger scale agriculture, are emerging
as drivers of forest conversion, as they are in much of the rest of Africa. Poverty and the
environment are inextricably linked, with the environmental degradation in Madagascar
threatening the livelihoods of Madagascar’s 22 million inhabitants, who continue to face
poverty as a result.
Secondary threats are caused by subsistence agriculture, livestock grazing, and invasive
species. Analysis of satellite imagery indicates that forest cover decreased by almost 40%
from the 1950s to circa 2000, with a reduction in ‘core forest’VI of almost 80 per cent. This
forest destruction and degradation threaten thousands of species with extinction19.
Experts now predict that Madagascar has already lost 90 per cent of its original forest
cover20.
For the unique species of the island, loss of vital habitat is increasingly exacerbated by
hunting. There is a growing body of evidence showing that wild animals in Madagascar
are subject to locally high hunting pressure and illegal hunting of protected species is
becoming a major conservation issue.
Recent publicity in Madagascar associated with seizures of lemur and tortoise bushmeat,
or arrests of people involved in the bushmeat trade, has brought unprecedented
attention to this issue21,22. A recent study of 1154 households in 12 communes in eastern
Madagascar found that people consume a wide range of wild species and 95% of
respondents had eaten at least one protected species (and nearly 45% have eaten more
than 10)23. Since humans arrived in Madagascar, many of the island’s largest terrestrial
vertebrates have gone extinct, a loss blamed at least in part on hunting24,25. If further
extinctions are to be avoided, urgent action is needed to reduce hunting of protected
VI
Greater than 1 km from the forest edge.
Threats to lemurs
species. The progress in setting up new protected areas in Madagascar, which is adding
large areas of forest and wetland to the national reserve system, needs to be accompanied
by an urgent initiative to address hunting26.
Increased access to species has also exacerbated the international trade in Madagascar’s
wildlife. Today, many animals and plants are threatened, with rosewood, tortoises,
chameleons, geckos and snakes the most targeted by traffickers. Since 1995, only 4
Malagasy chameleon species are permitted to be exported from Madagascar and this
moratorium is still in place today. Despite this, smugglers continue to flout the law.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified eight lemurs as
Critically Endangered, 18 as Endangered, 15 as Vulnerable, four as Near Threatened, eight
as Least Concern, 41 as Data Deficient, and seven have yet to be evaluated. 5 lemur
species are among the 25 most threatened primate in the world: Prolemur simus,
Propithecus candidus, Eulemur cinereiceps, Lepilemur septentrionalis, Eulemur
flavifrons27.
All types of lemurs are protected by CITES, which makes it illegal to hunt or capture
lemurs for trade. Today international economic forces, a growing global demand for
natural resources, and widespread regional poverty are putting the species, forests,
freshwater and marine ecosystems of this globally outstanding region at risk.
Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 hectares of natural forest are cleared each year,
mostly due to clearance for agriculture, cattle grazing and firewood, but poorly-planned
economic development projects and extensive mining are also responsible. The result is
that less than 10% of Madagascar’s original forest cover now remains28.
Several factors have contributed to deforestation: rapid population growth, an increasing
impoverishment of the local population, its need to increase food production and a rising
demand for wood for domestic energy. For their domestic energy needs, more than 90% of
Malagasy households use firewood and charcoal. Also, there are logging requirements for
timber and construction. In the highlands, deep gashes caused by deforestation are
leaving the land bare in many places. Local timber barons are also harvesting scarce
species of rosewood and other precious wood trees and exporting the wood to China.
The wood is used to make furniture and musical instruments. Most of the wood is being
removed illegally from national parks in Madagascar and trade has reached the annual
value of USD 220million29.
As Madagascar’s forests continue to be cut, all that remains is a red trail that runs down
the rivers into the sea. Soil erosion, which corresponds to the loss of topsoil, is leaving the
land naked and unfit for agriculture. Downstream, increased sediment loads are silting
estuaries and smothering sensitive marine habitats. As a result, marine species lose their
home, and communities lose their source of income. And silted reefs are more vulnerable
to climate change.
These threats place an untold number species at risk of extinction – not just the ones that
have been newly discovered, but symbolic and charismatic species for which Madagascar
is known the world over. Many animals and plants are also threatened, with excessive
hunting killing off the island’s emblematic species, including the lemur. It is estimated
that at least 60,000 tortoises are collected from the wild every year to feed the pet trade in
South East Asia, Japan and Europe30. The freshwater fishes of Madagascar are considered
the island’s most endangered vertebrates. An IUCN assessment of 98 endemic freshwater
fish species found that 54% of the fish were either Critically Endangered, Endangered or
Vulnerable31.
Habitat degradation, siltation, temperature increases, agriculture and overfishing are
considered the main causes of species decline. Introduced fish species have already
replaced many native species in inland lakes and streams. Trade for pets and plants have
also weakened populations of endemic animals and vegetation, especially amphibians,
reptiles and succulent plants. According to WWF studies in North Eastern and Western
Madagascar, rosewood is now on the brink of local extinction because of increased and
illegal exploitation.
Vive lemurs:
future-making in
Madagascar
WWF has been active on the island for 50 years,
working with local communities to protect
Madagascar’s unique environment.
Together with its partners, WWF seeks the
sustainable management of Madagascar’s unique
forest, freshwater and marine resources so that
biodiversity is conserved, ecosystem functions and
services are maintained, the impacts of climate
change are mitigated, and sustainable
development and economic growth improve the
livelihoods of the people of Madagascar.
WWF’s work in Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean is organised under five
programmes:
•
•
•
•
•
Let’s keep lemurs alive!
- Join WWF in the fight
against habitat loss and
species decline: www.wwf.
mg/
- Don’t buy rosewood from
Madagascar
- Don’t collect/buy exotic
pets from Madagascar
- Check www.wwf.mg for
frequent updates about our
conservation activities
- Visit Madagascar and its
unique biodiversity!
A terrestrial programme, which seeks the conservation of moist tropical forests in the
eastern part of the island, and spiny, dry forests in the Southern and South Western
regions. Activities include biodiversity assessments, strategic plans for land tenure
security, tax strategies for conservation, restoration of ecological services and socioeconomic values of the forest.
A marine programme which aims to improve marine management and conservation
among Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Seychelles and Reunion – and coastal
African states – including strengthening the network of marine protected areas. There
are currently thirty marine protected areas in this region.
A footprint programme which aims to the environmental footprint of human beings
in important sectors such as energy, extractive industries, reduction of greenhouse
gas – in particular CO2 - and traditional and industrial fishing.
A sustainability programme, which is helping WWF fulfil its Conservation Plan
through providing the right approaches and technical support (methodologies, tools,
capacity building, environmental education, policy and advocacy) as well as building
partnerships with development and governmental agencies (‘Cub Vintsy’ is a joint
initiative between WWF and the Ministry of Education ), civil society and private
sector.
A conservation science and species programme which seeks to improve the
knowledge of biodiversity in Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean and to
integrate the climate change issue in all conservation approaches. On species
conservation, WWF works closely with the Ministry of Forest and Water which
implements the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) at the national level. On the conservation science side, it is promoting among conservationists, international standards and good practices on programme and project management so as to ensure they meet their biodiversity goals and objectives.
We have been here for 50 years and since there is a lot to do, we stay as
committed as we always have been. Find out how you can help us take
action for a living Madagascar:
www.wwf.mg
© Nicole Andriaholinirina
Randrianasolo’s sportive lemur (Lepilemur randrianasoloi)
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
49
Appendix 1.
List of lemur species
and subspecies*
Scientific name
Common name
Classified
IUCN status
Cheirogaleidae
Allocebus trichotis
Cheirogaleus crossleyi
Cheirogaleus major
Cheirogaleus medius
Cheirogaleus minusculus
Cheirogaleus sibreei
Microcebus berthae
Microcebus bongolavensis
Microcebus danfossi
Microcebus griseorufus
Microcebus jollyae
Microcebus lehilahytsara
Microcebus macarthurii
Microcebus mamiratra
Microcebus mittermeieri
Microcebus murinus
Microcebus myoxinus
Microcebus ravelobensis
Microcebus rufus
Microcebus sambiranensis
Microcebus simmonsi
Microcebus tavaratra
Microcebus arnholdi
Microcebus margotmarshae
Mirza coquereli
Mirza zaza
Phaner electromontis
Phaner furcifer
Phaner pallescens
Phaner parienti
Hairy-eared dwarf lemur
Furry-eared dwarf lemur
Greater dwarf lemur
Fat-tailed dwarf lemur
Lesser iron-gray dwarf lemur
Sibree’s dwarf lemur
Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur
Bongolava mouse lemur
Danfoss’ mouse lemur
Reddish-gray mouse lemur
Jolly’s mouse lemur
Goodman’s mouse lemur
MacArthur’s mouse lemur
Claire’s mouse lemur
Mittermeier’s mouse lemur
Gray mouse lemur
Pygmy mouse lemur
Golden-brown mouse lemur
Brown mouse lemur
Sambirano mouse lemur
Simmons’ mouse lemur
Northern rufous mouse lemur
Arnhold’s mouse lemur
Margot Marsh’s mouse lemur
Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur
Northern giant mouse lemur
Amber Mountain fork-marked lemur
Masoala fork-marked lemur
Pale fork-marked lemur
Pariente’s fork-marked lemur
1875, Günther
1870, A. Grandidier
1812, É. Geoffroy
1812, É. Geoffroy
2000, Groves
1896, Forsyth Major
2000, Rasoloarison et al.
2007, Olivieri et al.
2007, Olivieri et al.
1910, Kollman
2006, Louis et al.
2005, Roos and Kappeler
2008, Radespiel et al.
2006, Andriantompohavana et al.
2006, Louis et al.
1777, Miller
1852, Peters
1998, Zimmerman et al.
1834, É. Geoffroy
2000, Rasoloarison et al.
2006, Louis et al.
2000, Rasoloarison et al.
2008, E. Lewis, Jr. et al.
2006, Andriantompohavana et al.
1867, A. Grandidier
2005, Kappeler & Roos
1991, Groves and Tattersall
1839, Blainville
1991, Groves and Tattersall
1991, Groves and Tattersall
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Least Concern
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Endangered
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Not Evaluated
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Endangered
Least Concern
Endangered
Data Deficient
Endangered
Not Evaluated
Not Evaluated
Near Threatened
Data Deficient
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Scientific name
Common name
Classified
IUCN status
Lemuridae
Eulemur albifrons
Eulemur cinereiceps[b]
White-fronted brown lemur
Gray-headed lemur
1796, É. Geoffroy
1890, Grandidier and MilneEdwards
1812, É. Geoffroy
1842, Gray
1867, Gray
1812, É. Geoffroy
1766, Linnaeus
1766, Linnaeus
1850, I. Geoffroy
1833, Bennett
1799, Audebert
1932, Archbold
1975, Rumpler
1987, Meier et al.
2007, Rabarivola et al.
1795, Link
2007, Rabarivola et al.
Vulnerable
Endangered
1987, Warter, et al.
1975, Rumpler
1756, Linnaeus
1871, Gray
1812, É. Geoffroy
1953, Osman Hill
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Critically Endangered
1833, A. Smith
Critically Endangered
1792, Kerr
Critically Endangered
Eulemur collaris
Eulemur coronatus
Eulemur flavifrons
Eulemur fulvus
Eulemur macaco
Eulemur mongoz
Eulemur rubriventer
Eulemur rufifrons[a]
Eulemur rufus[a]
Eulemur sanfordi
Hapalemur alaotrensis
Hapalemur aureus
Hapalemur griseus gilberti
Hapalemur griseus griseus
Hapalemur griseus
ranomafanensis
Hapalemur meridionalis
Hapalemur occidentalis
Lemur catta
Prolemur simus
Varecia rubra
Varecia variegata editorum
Varecia variegata subcincta
Varecia variegata variegata
Collared brown lemur
Crowned lemur
Blue-eyed black lemur
Common brown lemur
Black lemur
Mongoose lemur
Red-bellied lemur
Red-fronted lemur
Red lemur
Sanford’s brown lemur
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur
Golden bamboo lemur
Beanamalao bamboo lemur
Eastern lesser bamboo lemur
Ranomafana bamboo lemur
Southern lesser bamboo lemur
Western lesser bamboo lemur
Ring-tailed lemur
Greater bamboo lemur
Red ruffed lemur
Southern black-and-white ruffed
lemur
White-belted black-and-white ruffed
lemur
Black-and-white ruffed lemur
*This list may not be an exhaustive list of lemur species and subspecies.
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Endangered
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Data Deficient
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Data Deficient
Vulnerable
Not Evaluated
List of lemur species and
subspecies* (continued...)
Scientific name
Common name
Classified
IUCN status
Lepilemuridae
Lepilemur aeeclis
Lepilemur ahmansonorum
Lepilemur ankaranensis
Lepilemur betsileo
Lepilemur dorsalis
Lepilemur edwardsi
Lepilemur fleuretae
Lepilemur grewcockorum
Lepilemur hubbardorum
Lepilemur jamesorum
Lepilemur leucopus
Lepilemur microdon
Lepilemur milanoii
Lepilemur mittermeieri
Lepilemur mustelinus
Lepilemur otto
Lepilemur petteri
Lepilemur randrianasoloi
Lepilemur ruficaudatus
Lepilemur sahamalazensis
Lepilemur scottorum
Lepilemur seali
Lepilemur septentrionalis
Lepilemur tymerlachsonorum
Lepilemur wrightae
Lepilemur hollandorum
Antafia sportive lemur
Ahmanson’s sportive lemur
Ankarana sportive lemur
Betsileo sportive lemur
Gray-backed sportive lemur
Milne-Edwards’ sportive lemur
Fleurete’s sportive lemur
Grewcock’s sportive lemur
Hubbard’s sportive lemur
James’ sportive lemur
White-footed sportive lemur
Small-toothed sportive lemur
Daraina sportive lemur
Mittermeier’s sportive lemur
Weasel sportive lemur
Otto’s sportive lemur
Petter’s sportive lemur
Randrianasolo’s sportive lemur
Red-tailed sportive lemur
Sahamalaza sportive lemur
Scott’s sportive lemur
Seal’s sportive lemur
Northern sportive lemur
Hawks’ sportive lemur
Wright’s sportive lemur
Holland’s sportive lemur
2006, Andriaholinirina et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
1975, Rumpler & Albignac
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
1870, Gray
1894, Forsyth Major
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
1894, Forsyth Major
1894, Forsyth Major
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2006, Rabarivola et al.
1851, I. Geoffroy
2007, Craul et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2006, Andriaholinirina et al.
1867, A. Grandidier
2006, Andriaholinirina et al.
2008, Lei et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
1975, Rumpler & Albignac
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
2009, Ramaromilanto et al.
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Endangered
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Vulnerable
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Critically Endangered
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Not Evaluated
Scientific name
Common name
Classified
IUCN status
Indriidae
Avahi betsileo
Avahi cleesei
Avahi laniger
Avahi meridionalis
Avahi mooreorum
Avahi occidentalis
Avahi peyrierasi
Avahi ramanantsoavani
Avahi unicolor
Indri indri
Propithecus candidus
Propithecus coquereli
Propithecus coronatus
Propithecus deckenii
Propithecus diadema
Propithecus edwardsi
Propithecus perrieri
Propithecus tattersalli
Propithecus verreauxi
Betsileo woolly lemur
Cleese’s woolly lemur
Eastern woolly lemur
Southern woolly lemur
Moore’s woolly lemur
Western woolly lemur
Peyrieras’ woolly lemur
Ramanantsoavana’s woolly lemur
Sambirano woolly lemur
Indri
Silky sifaka
Coquerel’s sifaka
Crowned sifaka
Von der Decken’s sifaka
Diademed sifaka
Milne-Edwards’ sifaka
Perrier’s sifaka
Golden-crowned sifaka
Verreaux’s sifaka
2007, Andriantompohavana et al.
2005, Thalmann and Geissmann
1788, Gmelin
2006, Zaramody et al.
2008, Lei et al.
1898, von Lorenz-Liburnau
2006, Zaramody et al.
2006, Zaramody et al.
2000, Thalmann and Geissmann
1788, Gmelin
1871, A. Grandidier
1867, A. Grandidier
1871, Milne-Edwards
1870, A. Grandidier
1832, Bennett
1871, A. Grandidier
1931, Lavauden
1988, Simons
1867, A. Grandidier
Data Deficient
Endangered
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Not Evaluated
Endangered
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Endangered
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Scientific name
Common name
Classified
IUCN status
Daobentoniidae
Daubentonia madagascariensis
Aye-aye
1788, Gmelin
Near Threatened
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
51
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Yoder, AD. 2007. Lemurs: a quick guide. Current Biology 17 (20): 866–868.
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delimitation in lemurs: multiple genetic loci reveal low levels of species diversity in the genus
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Draper E (2010) The pierced heart of Madagascar. National Geographic 218: 80–109.
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Jenkins RKB, Keane A, Rakotoarivelo AR, Rakotomboavonjy V, Randrianandrianina FH, et al.
(2011) Analysis of Patterns of Bushmeat Consumption Reveals Extensive Exploitation of Protected
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(2011) Analysis of Patterns of Bushmeat Consumption Reveals Extensive Exploitation of Protected
Species in Eastern Madagascar. PLoS ONE 6(12): e27570.
27
IUCN. 2010. Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates, 2008–2010.
28
Harper, GJ. Steininger, MK. Tucker, CJ. Juhn, D. and Hawkins, F. 2007. Fifty years of
deforestation and forest fragmentation in Madagascar. Environmental Conservation, 34: 325-333
Cambridge University Press.
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Randriamalala, H. and Liu, Z. Rosewood: Democracy & Conservation. Madagascar
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Randriamahazo, H., Traylor-Holzer, K., Leus, K., and Byers, H.O. 2007. Population and habitat
viability assessment workshop for endemic tortoise species in Madagascar Geochelone radiata
(Madagascar radiated tortoise) Pyxis arachnoïdes (spider tortoise). Apple Valley, MN: IUCN/SSC
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31
IUCN and Species Survival Commission. 2004. Red List assessment of Madagascar’s
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52
Vive lemurs! Conserving the lemurs of Madagascar
Madagascar in numbers
100%
RECYCLED
36%
587,000 km2
of all primate families (five
of 14) are found in Madagascar,
the land of lemurs and a
highest priority for primate
conservation
about the size of France,
Madagascar is the world’s
fourth largest island
250,000 species
Madagascar is home to 5% of the
world's plant and animal species
and most of them are endemic to
the island
20 million
inhabitants, many of them
facing poverty. Despite its
rich biodiversity, Madagascar
remains one of the world's
poorest nations
Why we are here
To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and
to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
www.wwf.mg